Regional

3:43 pm

Fri March 1, 2013

NMSU Basketball Player Indicted By Grand Jury

New Mexico State University senior forward Tyrone Watson has been indicted on a felony battery charge accusing him of severely beating a fellow student.

A Dona Ana County grand jury indicted the suspended forward Thursday, a day before his suspension from the team was scheduled to end.

Police say Watson assaulted 19-year-old Miguel Rascon, who was treated for facial fractures, a gash requiring 13 stitches and other cuts and bruises after the brawl at a January party. Witnesses say Watson grabbed Rascon and punched him in the face because he was dancing with Watson's girlfriend.

Through his attorney, Watson admitted to punching Rascon once in the chin but adamantly denied any further beating. The 22-year-old from Canada issued a statement apologizing.